8 June 2012 Iran has a right to nuclear energy

Regarding the May 26 editorial “Iran’s intransigence”:

We would like to reiterate that the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty has unambiguously recognized “the inalienable right of all the Parties to the Treaty to develop research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes without discrimination,” which covers all areas of peaceful uses of nuclear energy, including the inalienable right of each state to develop a full national fuel cycle. Each party has the sovereign right to define its national energy policies, including fuel-cycle policies, in accordance with its national requirements.

The Islamic Republic of Iran is fully committed to its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and is firmly determined to exercise its rights. In its future talks, Iran will continue to insist on all its rights under the treaty for peaceful uses of nuclear energy, including a full national fuel cycle. Since pressure applied by the West has failed to bear results, we expect a positive and constructive approach regarding Iran’s peaceful nuclear activities.

The writer is head of the press office for Iran’s mission to the United Nations.